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A Maui Must! Zip-Line in Kapalua

While in Maui, I received an invitation to do the ‘Swing and Zip Upper Mountain Loop’ at Kapolau Adventures.  Having never done a zip-line before, I had no idea what to expect.  The only instruction I had, was to wear sneakers.

Upon arrival, my partner in crime, Jamie, and I were given windbreaker jackets and helmets (I got what resembled a ‘Bob the Builder’ hat, since I was told I had an awkward shaped head – always knew I was a little different).  They drove us to the top of the mountain on the edge of the Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve where adventure began!

The five-hour excursion consisted of multiple small hikes in between four amazing zip-lines, a giant swing, and ultimately lunch on the mountain.  Hands down one of the most breathtaking, amazing experiences of my life.  And what a work out!

When the guide mentioned that the last zip-line was 2.300 feet, I was a little anxious about going down it, though I felt completely safe and secure the whole time.  The harness

Happy New Years (from Hawaii)

Happy New Years to all my pretty readers!

I hope this new year brings you all peace, joy, happiness, and everything you want out of life (no pressure).

Break out the bubbly! It’s time to celebrate.

Aloha!! Taking a Two-Week Hiatus


Aloha Four Seasons Kona aka Paradise

The Costumes of Edith Head Showing in Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is now showing the films which feature the work of legendary costume designer Edith Head.  The film series includes To Catch a Thief, Vertigo, Sunset Boulevard, and A Place in the Sun.  Showings from Dec. 23 – Jan. 3 [below excerpt from mfa.org].

The Costumes of Edith Head, 1941-1958
Edith Head (1897-1981), one of Hollywood’s most influential costume designers, worked on more than 400 films, but her work with Paramount Studios was the most illustrious. This series celebrates the storyboards and sketches she brought to life to create some of Hollywood’s most memorable moments.

For more information visit mfa.org

Some Jolly with a Little Folly for the Holiday

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With the holidays around the corner, here are 3 of my favorite fun, but practical gag gifts that work for almost every girl, plus they come with a good laugh.


1. Miss Oops! Holiday Survival Kit

Miss Oops is a super fun brand with a wide array of cheeky but practical beauty and fashion saving, problem-solving products for all of those ‘oopsie!’ moments in your life.


The Holiday Survival Kit from Miss Oops is a fabulous set of must haves including:

  • Rescue Sponge – perfect for getting out pesky stains including deodorant marks or fresh make-up powder off your clothes. No water needed.
  • Travel size lint roller – you never know whose cat you’ll meet at that holiday party, and now you don’t have to worry about it (unless you’re allergic).
  • Mishap Tape – a set of 36 strips in two widths, this fabric friendly, hypoallergenic tape repairs hanging hems, gaping blouses, and keeps bra straps in place. So don’t worry about a wardrobe malfunction (I’m looking at you Janet Jackson).

Packaged in a fun to go box, this gift is great for any girl on the go. Plus each product is nice and compact so they fit easily in your purse.


Suggested Retail Price: $18

For more information visit missoops.com


2. On the Cuff

I got On the Cuff in a gift bag and had no idea what it was. They look like little floats made of sponges! So after conducting a quick online investigation, it became clear that they are basically sponge bracelets (ahem, their terminology is ‘cuff made of a unique stretch material’) you wear, while rinsing your face, doing the dishes, or washing your car to prevent water from running down your arms.


While it seems like a completely hilarious invention, it’s also genius and practical. I’m a major victim of water dripping down my sleeves so this made my day.


Price of 1 pair: $7.99

For more information visit onthecuff.net


3. Foot Petals Luxury Kit

This gift by Foot Petals is perfect for the shoe maven in your life; packed with an assortment of foot cushions and freshness spray, this set will help keep the comfort in and the blisters at bay so you can dance the night away this season.


The Luxury Kit includes (products also sold separately):

  • Heavenly Heelz – A multi-functional foot cushion that can be used to prevent your heels from slipping out of your shoes
  • Strappy StripesNo more sling back straps digging into the backs of your ankles! Help is here with this preventative adhesive cushion.
  • Tip Toe – the cushion that helps prevents your foot from sliding forward. This is especially perfect for those high-heeled shoes, since it’s never particularly attractive (or comfortable) to have your foot scrunched in the front with visible room in the back of your shoe.
  • Sweaty Pedi – A perfect spray to keep your feet dry and fresh. The name may not be so attractive, and the vanilla smell is a little overwhelming (although it does fade shortly after contact), I’m willing to overlook these shortcomings, considering this product delivers. I’ve sprayed it on my feet before going to the gym and before going out for the evening, and hours later, my feet stayed dry and in fact, were rather soft.

Suggested Retail Price: $39.95


For more information (and a variety of alternate great holiday foot sets and products), visit footpetals.com

Beauty Brief

lanvinsponge-bob-karl-lagerfeld

Here are some headlines that caught my attention this month:

  • Pretty Connected™ got a twitter account this week.  Follow us @PCbeauty
  • Julia Roberts to be spokeswoman for Lancome. [WWD]
  • Simon Doonan, Barney’s Creative Director, will be decorating the White House for the holidays.  I vote an Alice and Wonderland theme. [HuffintonPost]
  • Cindy Crawford admits to using Botox (but not in the last 10 years). [StyleList]
  • The Cat Burgler Barbie by Christian Louboutin ($150), launched Friday on Net-A-Porter and has already sold out. It’s on back order until January. To add it to your wish list click HERE.
  • Former Miss Argentina, Solange Magnano, dies after plastic surgery complications she underwent for her buttocks. [CNN]
  • “Up in the Air,” starring George Clooney, was named best film of 2009 by the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures. I had the pleasure of attending an advanced screening, and thought it was overall a great film, slow at moments, laugh out loud funny at others, but moderately depressing for the commitment phobic audience. [NBRMP]
  • Lily Allen wants to give up her music career and open a clothing store. Can’t you do both? [TheCut]
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 16-year-old son, Patrick, is rumored to be dating Bruce Willis’ and Demi Moore’s 15-year-old daughter, Tallulah. Imagine if they have kids someday! That’s like a whole other level of action hero. [NYPost]
  • The prestigious art show, Art Basel Miami Beach, concludes today after an exciting week of special exhibitions, events, and parties. [ArtBaselMiamiBeach]
  • Alber Elbaz, Artistic Director of Lanvin, designed two stamps for the French Postal Service to celebrate120 years of Lanvin.  Dear friends in France, please send me a set. Merci!  [WWD]
  • Zac Posen is designing a clothing line for Target [WWD]; J.C. Penney to sell MNG by Mango [JCPenny]; and  Stella McCartney is collaborating with Morrissey on vegan footwear collection. [Coutorture]
  • Karl Lagerfeld gave the SpongeBob SquarePants figurine a makeover. [WWD]

Holiday Baby Gift Picks

What to get the wee ones this holiday season? Here is what I’m loving right now for everyone from expecting mothers to the babies and kids in your life.

Baby Story

4. WÜL Natural Bedding

DSC_1056

WÜL luxury bedding is made from a unique blend of wool fibers that help maintain even body temperature making them the natural alternative to down or synthetic bedding. WÜL products are machine-washable, dry-able, and hypo-allergenic so babies are free from allergies caused by down comforters and from off-gassing of petrol-based products.  My First Wülly, the baby/toddler version of the classic Wülly comforter also comes with a 5 year guarantee.

Features:

  • 100% pure wool / 300 gsm
  • 100% white cotton sateen sheath with 233-thread count
  • Elegant and practical crown pattern stitching
  • WÜL Fresh conditioning for hypo-allergenic benefits: Antimicrobial and antifungal
  • Flame resistant and bio-degradable

Steel it Off!

my handOn a recent trip to Whisk, I had me a little impulse purchase of a ‘Steel Clean Soup Stainless Steel Hand Odor Remover Bar’.  In other words I bought a $4 piece of stainless steel in the shape of a soap bar just because I was curious. How on earth did I not know that stainless steel supposedly removes harsh odors like fish, garlic, and onions just by rubbing your hands on it.  No, you don’t need the bar to try this at home, grab a spoon or any stainless steel object, add some water and use it as though you were washing your hands with a regular bar of soap.  I felt moderately ridiculous washing my hands with anything that doesn’t lather, although it does look adorable in my kitchen and makes for a good conversation piece.  There’s no strong research or science to back up how beneficial it is, but it’s easy enough to try it at home and does seem to be moderately effective.